If you are wondering what to expect from the therapy process you are not alone. Starting therapy for the first time is nerve wracking. Below is an outline with some basic information, but if you have questions call text or email us for more info!
Over the first weeks you will spend time getting to know your therapist and taking some beginning steps towards achieving your goals. We strive to make each session meaningful and actionable.
Counselling is a collaborative process that can have many benefits including improved wellbeing, and greater sense of self. This process may influence many areas of your personal and professional life.
While there are many benefits there are also risks to participating in treatment including, but not limited to, recalling unpleasant events or experiences that could result in the experience of difficult emotions.
Therapeutic change can be a difficult process that at times may result in a decrease in your mood and result in unexpected changes. We will work together to manage these risks as you proceed through treatment.
Virtual & In-Person Therapy
At this time I am offering sessions to individuals, couples, and families, in-person and virtually.
I will not be meeting with couples and families in mixed sessions: if it is in person all members of the couple or family should attend in-person, and members who cannot attend will not be virtually brought into the session.
In-person sessions will take place at my shared office space at 53 Ainslie St N, Cambridge.
- There is Free parking behind the office off Thorne St, and you can enter through the backdoor.
There are many advantages and disadvantages to both virtual and in-person therapy, we will discuss this during a brief free phone consult to make sure that you are being provided the best and most appropriate service.
Couple & Family Therapy
As a part of couple and family therapy I may see members of the couple or family individually or in smaller groups. If this occurs all members of the couple or family will be aware of the meeting, however, the information discussed during these sessions will be kept confidential with a few exceptions.
- I will not withhold secrets that will limit the effectiveness of therapy
- I will not withhold secrets that would support maliciousness or collusions
- I cannot withhold information that would place any individual at risk of harm
I will maintain privacy of each individual in these sessions, however I may ask that you share the information provided with the family/member of the couple. If this is the case we will discuss it prior. In accordance with the College of Social Workers and the Canadian Association of Marriage and Family Therapist, I will do my best to act with transparency at all times (CAMFT, 2019).
I also will not change the way in which therapy is conducted to protect secrets. This means I will not avoid topics or questions that come up organically in the course of therapy.
Contact & Electronic Communication
If you wish to contact me you can call or text, 519-400-7861 or email watsontherapies@gmail.com . I will do my best to contact you within the next business day.
I do not respond to text/calls/emails outside of business hours (Monday-Friday 9-5).
If you are in crisis or require immediate support please contact your local crisis line, or follow the safety plan we have developed.
Watson Therapy adheres to all policies outlined in the Personal Health Information Protection Act (PHIPA, 2004). All messages will be kept confidential to the best of my abilities, however, it is important to be aware that digital communication carries inherent risk, such as the potential for hacking, and while I will do the utmost to ensure your information is secure, there will remain an underlying risk to the confidentiality of your information.
Based on the regulatory guidelines with the College of Social Workers (OCSWSSW) and the Health Care Consent Act, 1996, I require written or expressed verbal consent in order to speak with other individuals in your life; this includes professionals providing you care and members of your family.
If you wish for me to speak with someone please let me know and we will review the purpose and any limits to the consent. This consent can be withdrawn by you at any time.
Cancelation policy
It is my hope that we can work together to create a schedule that will fit into your busy life however, we are all human and things are bound to come up last minute.
When they do Watson Therapy requires 24 hours’ notice for cancelation or rescheduling, if this is not possible, please reach out and let me know as soon as possible.
If you miss an appointment without providing notice you will be charged 50% of the cost of the session.